Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Today's Scripture
1 Timothy 6:6–21

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep the commandment without spot or blame until the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will bring about at the right time — he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is he alone who has immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see; to him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the profane chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge; by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith. Grace be with you. (NRSV)

Reflection

If you are a reader of these devotions, but not a writer of them, then you may be interested to know that someone here at Fourth Church (and I confess I have not yet learned who), goes to the trouble to select the passages on which we offer our reflections. It’s a lot of work, and I am grateful for whoever goes to the trouble to identify the passage for the day.

That being said, 1 Timothy 6 may not have been a passage that I would have chosen on my own. I can’t remember ever preaching on this passage. I might be drawn to some of the earlier verses when Paul writes about the importance of worship! It’s not that the text speaks directly to wealth. I’m accustomed to that. Jesus talked about money all the time. He talked about money more than he talked about prayer. I get the spiritual temptation that is tied to money. It can so easily become a god to us.

What I find challenging is the reminder that faith requires resilience. This passage is one more illustration of how faith governs every aspect of our lives. Paul writes this letter because he believes Jesus is Lord. Jesus is not just Lord of some aspects of our lives, but all. There is nothing in your life which falls beyond the care of God. Faith is lived out in every decision, every choice, every moment.

No wonder Paul warns about the likelihood of wandering away from faith from time to time. Paul describes this faith as “fighting the good fight.” Or to say it more simply, to live the life of faith every day — it requires resilience. If your resilience is lagging a bit, remember the earlier verses and attend worship. It strengthens the soul! See you in church.

Prayer
God of mercy, thank you for the gift of this day, a day in which we can once again remember the good and gracious news that Jesus is Lord. Amen.

Written by Tom Are Jr., Interim Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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